We have access to almost unlimited information. However, there is still a dearth of wisdom. The progression from raw data to wisdom (raw data -information – knowledge – understanding – insight – wisdom) can be a long climb.

One of the biggest challenges you will face on your journey to wisdom is the battle to overcome the focus on self. Being selfless leads to wisdom. Some will argue that most success comes from self-drive so how is it that we are knocking self. Self-drive is fine if the goal is larger than self. If everything is about self then the more you get, the less it will seem.

Here are some ways to overcome this problem:

1. Be objective-

Your selfishness will be saying something like ”I should be getting more recognition” when, objectively, you are being treated appropriately. Realize that this is happening, catch yourself, and refocus on the task at hand. Focus on the present moment by experiencing the positive effect of the people, places, sights, and sounds around you.

2. Refrain from judgment and relinquish control – Remember you can only control yourself – give up controlling other people, circumstances, etc. The more in control of other people you think you are, the less in control you actually are!

3. Practice self-awareness – As you become more aware of your thoughts you’ll be surprised how many are too focused on you. Keep a journal to develop self-awareness. When we become sufficiently aware, the light of that awareness starts to starve the selfishness.

4. Focus on the big picture – Be driven by the importance of outcomes rather than the importance of self.

5. Start listening – Go beyond words to grasp people’s feelings. Ask people who are close to you what they think about your listening skills especially your spouse or partner. You may get a rude awakening!

6. Celebrate diversity – Value the differences in others and see their strengths. Celebrate the success of others as if it were your own.

7. Participate in life – Absorb knowledge from every encounter, every experience, every person, every defeat, every setback, and every opportunity.

8. Treat work like meditation – Work so deeply that the division between the doer and the doing disappears and work becomes sacred.

9. Embrace humility – Humility is born when you realize that you are simply the medium for the universal abundance to flow through. You understand that when you do commendable work, it is the divine working through you.

10. Practice gratitude – when you count your blessings, your blessings multiply.